From Quellung to multiplex PCR, and back when needed, in pneumococcal serotyping.

ABSTRACT: All currently available vaccines against Streptococcus pneumoniae are based on selections of the over 90 different serotypes, which underlines the importance of serotyping for surveillance and vaccine efficacy monitoring. In this study, we modified and validated a PCR-based scheme for deducing the serotypes of the invasive pneumococci isolated in Finland. For validation, 170 isolates were serotyped using the new protocol with six sequential multiplex PCRs for the deduction of serotypes, supplemented with Quellung testing when needed. The results were compared with those obtained by traditional serotyping methods. We found that 98.8% (168/170) of the isolates were correctly serotyped by the new protocol. Subsequently, the scheme was taken into regular use for serotyping the invasive pneumoc

SUBMITTER: Siira L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3421528 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature